Estonia Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Estonia, a digital pioneer known for its e-governance initiatives and thriving tech scene, is emerging as a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers.

And it’s an attractive location, boasting a 0% income tax on retained or reinvested profits, an accessibly skilled workforce, and many e-services designed to help your business thrive.

And that’s not even including the cultural, historical, and societal benefits that Estonia is known for throughout the modern world.

This guide will provide comprehensive information on the visa application process, necessary documents, and other pertinent details to ensure your move to Estonia is well-prepared and worry-free.

When do you need a visa for Estonia?

Estonia offers short-stay Schengen visas for tourism and business purposes, plus visas for work, study, and family reunification. Here are the key options you need to know:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: If you're a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can travel, stay, and work in Estonia without a visa for up to three months. However, if you’re staying longer, you’ll need to register your place of residence and acquire an ID card. The list of EU and Schengen countries can be found here.
• Visa-exempt countries: Estonia also allows visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for citizens of several other countries. Check the official list of visa-exempt countries can be found .
• Family members of EU/EEA/EFTA nationals: Family members of EU/EEA/EFTA nationals who hold a valid residence card issued under Directive 2004/38/EC and are travelling with or to join the EU/EEA/EFTA national in Estonia can also enter without a visa.
• Long stays and work: If you plan to stay in Estonia for longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work or start a business there, you'll need a long-stay visa (national visa) or a residence permit, regardless of your nationality.

If you’re outside these countries, then you’ll need to apply for a visa, the type of which will depend on the nature of your visa.

Remember:

• Even if you don't need a visa to enter Estonia, you must carry a valid travel document (passport or national ID card) at all times while in the Schengen Area.
• Always verify the latest visa information with the official Estonian authorities or the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country before travelling.

Estonia visa requirements

As Estonia is part of the Schengen Area, the general Schengen visa requirements apply. However, additional documents may be necessary depending on the specific visa you are applying for.

General requirements

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Estonia and have at least two blank visa pages.
• Completed application form: Fill out the official visa application form accurately and completely. The form can usually be downloaded from the website of the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country or obtained from a visa application centre.
• Recent passport-style photo: Provide a recent passport-style photo that meets the specified requirements.
• Travel medical insurance: You must have travel medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Estonia and the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of travel arrangements: Provide evidence of your planned travel to and from Estonia, such as a round-trip flight reservation or other proof of intended transport.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Estonia. The required amount varies depending on the length of your stay and your accommodation arrangements but is set at €70 per day minimum.
• Documents indicating the purpose of your visit: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, a confirmation letter from a host, or other relevant documents.
• Proof of civil status: If applicable, provide documents proving your civil status, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Visa exemptions

• You can travel to Estonia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and are visiting as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or for other permitted purposes.
• Family members of EU/EEA/EFTA nationals may also be able to enter Estonia without a visa.

Remember:

• It's essential to check the specific requirements for your chosen visa category on the official Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website or consult the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country.
• All documents should be in English or Estonian (and, in some cases, Turkish) or translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.

Estonia visa application process

Applying for an Estonian visa involves the following steps:

1. Book an appointment: Contact the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country and schedule an appointment. It's advisable to book your appointment at least two weeks before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
2. Gather and submit the requested documents: Prepare all the necessary documents, including:
   • Valid passport (valid for at least three months beyond your return date, with at least two blank pages) and copies of previous visas (if any)
   • Completed and signed application form (online or provided by the embassy/consulate)
   • Two passport-size photos meeting Schengen visa photo guidelines
   • Travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000
   • Cover letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of your trip
   • Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward travel)
   • Proof of accommodation in Estonia
   • Proof of civil status (if applicable)
   • Bank statements from the last six months showing sufficient funds
3. Attend the visa interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the embassy/consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip, purpose of visit, and financial situation.
4. Wait for a response: After submitting your application and attending the interview (if applicable), wait for a response from the embassy/consulate. You will typically receive a notification via email or text message within 15 to 30 days.

Remember:

• All documents must be officially translated into English or Estonian.
• Any missing or incomplete documents can lead to visa refusal.
• It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information during the application process and the interview.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Estonia?

A permanent residence permit lets you live and work in Estonia without any time limits. Sounds good, right? But first, you need to tick a few boxes.

What you need:

• You've lived in Estonia with a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years.
• You've been a good resident, haven't caused any trouble, and have a clean criminal record.
• You can support yourself financially with a steady income in Estonia.
• You have health insurance.
• You've got a decent grasp of the Estonian language.

How to apply:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements before you start the process.
2. Gather your documents: You'll need your passport, proof of income, accommodation details, health insurance, and evidence of your Estonian language skills.
3. Apply at a service office: Head to your nearest Service Office of the Citizenship and Migration Bureau to submit your application.
4. Wait for a decision: It usually takes about 2 months to get an answer.
5. Get your residence card: If approved, you'll get your shiny new permanent residence card within 30 days.

Good to know:

• There are a few fees involved, but they're not too steep.
• You can bring your family with you!
• After a few more years, you might even be eligible to apply for Estonian citizenship.

Learn More

How do you get Estonian citizenship?

There are a few ways to get an Estonian citizenship:

• Estonian by blood: If one (or both!) of your parents is Estonian, you're automatically a citizen. Lucky you!
• Naturalisation: This is the most common path for folks who weren't born in Estonia. It takes some time and effort, but it's definitely achievable.
• Restoration: If you or your ancestors lost Estonian citizenship in the past, you might be able to get it back.

Here's what you need to become Estonian through naturalisation:

• Residency: You need to have lived in Estonia for at least 8 years, with the last 5 years as a permanent resident.
• Language skills: You'll need to pass an Estonian language exam.
• Knowledge of the law: You'll also need to pass an exam on the Estonian Constitution and Citizenship Act.
• Income and residence: You need to have a legal income and a registered place of residence in Estonia.
• Oath of allegiance: You'll need to take an oath to the Estonian state.

Important to know:

• No dual citizenship (usually): Estonia generally doesn't allow dual citizenship, except for some exceptional cases like children born with dual citizenship.
• Processing time: It can take a while, so be patient! This process can take several years.

Learn More